Connected

Gary Wright

Highwave, 2010

http://www.thedreamweaver.com

REVIEW BY: David Bowling

ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED: 07/01/2010

Gary Wright’s career began as a child television and Broadway star, He then founded one of the more underrated rock groups of the late ‘60s and early ‘70s, became a mid-‘70s hit maker, and now is an elder statesman of the rock world.

He starred in the my_heart_sings_the_harmony_web_ad_alt_250 Captain Video television series at age seven and then in the Broadway play Fanny at eleven. He went on to form Spooky Tooth with Mike Harrison during the ‘60s. Wright’s keyboards and vocals helped the band to record a series of critically acclaimed albums, although they only achieved moderate sales. Today, he is best remembered for his two hits, “Dream Weaver” and “Love Is Alive,” both of which reached the number two position on the American singles charts during 1976. Currently, he is a touring member of Ringo Starr’s All Starr Band.

Wright has just released his fourteenth solo album, titled Connected. It does not contain any real surprises, as by this time he is who he is. His songs are melodic and driven by his keyboards. The bass is a little more pronounced than in the past and the sound is a little more layered, but it retains an ‘80s synth-rock feel. His voice remains in fine shape and has become a little bluesier as he has aged.

Some of his friends make an appearance on a number of tracks. “Satisfied” finds Ringo Starr and Joe Walsh lending a hand, while “Gimme Some Time” features Jeff “Skunk” Baxter providing some guitars.

Some of the better songs include the title track and “Satisfied,” both of which have enough hooks to receive some serious airplay. “Under Your Spell” starts off with some cosmic keyboards before settling into a pleasant ballad, while “Get Your Hands Up” is competent progressive rock.

Connected all adds up to a very listenable effort from Gary Wright. He may not break any new ground, but forty-plus years into his career, he knows how to put together an album.

Rating: B

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Comments

Thanks for giving us a little infom on Gary Wright."My love is alive" is one of my all time favorite rock songs. I thoght he was just a two hit wonder.
 








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